Academy Awards hosts

So are two heads really better than one? The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences apparently thinks so. It has announced that Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin will co-host the Oscar telecast next March.

“We think the team of Steve and Alec are the perfect pair of hosts for the Oscars,” said producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic in a press release. “Steve will bring the experience of having hosted the show in the past and Alec will be a completely fresh personality for this event.”

“I don’t play the banjo but I’m thrilled to be hosting the Oscars — it’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Baldwin.

Martin hosted the 73rd and 75th Academy Awards shows and received generally positive reviews. Baldwin has proven he can bring the funny via his Emmy-winning performance on “30 Rock” and multiple hosting stints on “Saturday Night Live.” His wry persona would seem to be a good match for Martin.

The choice of dual hosts seems like an obvious ploy to stir up buzz and pique curiosity. The show, of course, could use a shake-up after enduring years of declining ratings. The Oscar organizers made big news earlier by announcing that the nomination field for Best Picture will be expanded from five to 10 entrants — a move apparently intended to bring more audience favorites into the fold.